LEE COUNTY, AL (WRBL) - The family of 85-year-old Curtis “Bennie” Rudd is preparing for the first of four defendants charged in Rudd’s capital murder to go to trial. Jury selection is slated to begin in the first trial Monday morning.
Back in January of 2016, prosecutors say Rudd was murdered in cold blood while protecting his wife during a home invasion robbery at the couples home along Lee Road 177.
Jury selection in the trial for the first of four defendants, 23-year-old Devonte Mike, begins Monday morning. 22-year-old Robert Wiggins and 22-year-old Khaleef Marshall were also arrested.
Investigators say after Rudd was shot, he was able to fire back at the suspects, injuring Wiggins. Rudd died in his wife’s arms. Back in 2016, during a preliminary hearing, Rudd’s widow relived the violent death of her husband during her testimony in front of the judge. She is expected to testify again in front of the jury.
"I heard two shots and heard Benny tell me, Kay they got me,” said Kay Rudd.
"I heard two shots and heard Benny tell me, Kay they got me,” said Kay Rudd.
Mrs. Rudd testified after her husband was shot she hugged him and told him to fight and hang on. She called 911, family and friends for help. Rudd then testified she got a pillow and a blanket so her husband wouldn't get cold. Rudd is expected to testify again this week in front of the jury.
It’s been 2 years and 10 months since Rudd was violently killed in front of his wife inside their Cussetta home. However the investigation remains ongoing and just this month a fourth arrest was made in the case as 25-year-old Shakeela Dailey was charged with capital murder.
Prosecutors now say they’re not seeking the death penalty but rather life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mike is the first of four anticipated trials in the home invasion capital murder.
